Breville Dual Boiler BES920XL Review

As someone who has always been a fan of good coffee, I’ve spent years experimenting with different machines, grinders, and beans to find the perfect cup. Over time, I realized that a high-quality espresso machine could make a huge difference in how much I enjoyed my daily coffee routine. The Breville Barista Touch Impress has been a game-changer for me in this journey. This machine is one of the most convenient and feature-packed espresso makers I’ve come across, and I’ve been using it daily for a few months now. Here’s my take on it. 

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the Breville Barista Touch Impress, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and modern aesthetics. It’s a well-built machine that doesn’t feel bulky or cheap. The brushed stainless steel finish gives it a premium look, and the touchscreen interface is clean and easy to navigate. Right away, I could tell that Breville had put a lot of thought into making this machine both functional and visually appealing.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the standout features of this espresso machine is the full-color touchscreen. The interface is super intuitive, which I appreciated since I’m not exactly a coffee expert. The screen guides me through the whole coffee-making process, and there are pre-programmed options for a variety of drinks like espresso, latte, cappuccino, and flat white. At first, I thought it might be too complicated to navigate, but it actually makes everything so much easier.

I love that I can customize the drinks to my exact liking. The machine lets me adjust the strength, temperature, and milk texture. Plus, there’s an option to save my favorite drinks, which is a feature I use all the time. This personalized experience has really made my coffee rituals more enjoyable.

Grind Settings and Consistency

When I first started using the Breville Barista Touch Impress, one of my biggest concerns was the grinder. I’ve had some bad experiences with built-in grinders in the past, where the grind wasn’t consistent, which ultimately led to disappointing shots of espresso. However, Breville has really nailed it with the conical burr grinder in this machine. There are 30 grind size settings, so I can experiment with different levels depending on the type of coffee I’m making.

Since getting the machine, I’ve enjoyed how consistently the espresso comes out. Whether I’m grinding beans for a double shot of espresso or a single one for my Americano, the grind is always just right. The integrated grinder makes things more convenient too, since I don’t have to worry about getting a separate one.

Impress Puck System

Another feature that sets this machine apart is the Impress Puck System. The Puck System automatically tamps the ground coffee at the perfect pressure. This is a huge advantage because it takes away the guesswork and potential inconsistencies that come with manual tamping. I used to worry about whether I was tamping the coffee correctly, which could lead to uneven shots. With the Barista Touch Impress, I don’t have to worry about that anymore. The puck is always nice and level, leading to a more consistent extraction. 

ThermoJet Heating System

The Breville Barista Touch Impress has a ThermoJet heating system, which means it heats up in just 3 seconds. Honestly, this is one of my favorite features. I’m often running late in the mornings, and having a machine that heats up so quickly is a huge time-saver. I don’t have to wait around for minutes for the machine to be ready. The rapid heat-up means I can go from grinding beans to enjoying a hot espresso in a matter of moments.

Automatic Milk Frothing

Being a fan of lattes and cappuccinos, I was really excited to see how the milk frothing system performed. The AutoMilQ system is incredible. It automatically froths the milk to the ideal temperature and consistency based on the drink I choose. Whether I’m making a latte or a flat white, the milk comes out creamy and velvety every time. It works with both dairy and non-dairy milk like oat and almond, which has been a nice touch since I alternate between the two.

While I initially thought it would be hard to get the frothing just right, the machine takes care of everything. All I need to do is press a button, and the results are consistently impressive. If you’re someone who loves milk-based coffee drinks, this machine does the job effortlessly.

Ease of Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, the Barista Touch Impress is pretty user-friendly. The machine notifies me when it’s time for cleaning, and I appreciate how simple it is to keep it in good working condition. The water reservoir and drip tray are easy to remove and clean, which helps keep everything hygienic and free of any build-up. I haven’t encountered any major issues with the machine so far, and the prompts from the touchscreen make cleaning almost foolproof. This has been a great feature for someone like me who doesn’t want to spend too much time on upkeep.

What Makes It Stand Out?

There’s no doubt that the Breville Barista Touch Impress stands out from many other machines I’ve tried. While some machines in this price range tend to overcomplicate things with too many settings or lack the consistency needed for a great cup of coffee, this machine strikes a good balance. It combines ease of use with advanced features that let you fine-tune your drinks to perfection. The overall user experience is smooth, and everything feels streamlined and well thought-out.

Is It Worth the Investment?

I won’t lie: the Barista Touch Impress is an investment. But for someone who’s serious about coffee, I’ve found it to be totally worth it. Sure, you can find less expensive machines that will do the job, but the quality, consistency, and convenience that this machine provides make it stand out. It has truly elevated my at-home coffee experience, and I’ve found myself looking forward to my coffee ritual every morning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Breville Barista Touch Impress has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. It’s easy to use, reliable, and consistently delivers high-quality coffee. Whether you're someone who enjoys a quick shot of espresso in the morning or loves crafting elaborate coffee drinks, this machine has a feature to suit your needs. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and ease of use, and I’m confident that anyone who enjoys coffee will appreciate the quality it delivers. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, feature-packed espresso machine, the Breville Barista Touch Impress is definitely a strong contender. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How easy is it to use the Breville Barista Touch Impress for a beginner?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is very user-friendly, especially for beginners. The full-color touchscreen interface guides you through the coffee-making process, and the pre-programmed options for drinks like espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes make it easy to get started. Additionally, the built-in grinder and automatic tamping system simplify the preparation of the coffee, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process.

Q: Does the Breville Barista Touch Impress work with both dairy and non-dairy milk?
A: Yes, the AutoMilQ system is designed to froth both dairy and non-dairy milk options like oat, almond, and soy. It automatically adjusts the milk temperature and texture based on the drink you select, ensuring a creamy and smooth result every time.

Q: How long does it take for the Breville Barista Touch Impress to heat up?
A: The machine features a ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds. This quick heat-up time means you can go from grinding beans to enjoying a hot espresso or coffee drink in a matter of moments, making it perfect for those with busy mornings.

Q: Can I customize my coffee drinks with the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: Absolutely! The Barista Touch Impress allows you to adjust various aspects of your drink, such as the strength, temperature, and milk texture. You can even save up to eight personalized drink recipes, so you don’t have to adjust the settings each time you want your perfect cup.

Q: How do I maintain and clean the Breville Barista Touch Impress?
A: The Breville Barista Touch Impress is relatively low-maintenance. It has a cleaning cycle that prompts you when it’s time to clean the machine. The water reservoir and drip tray are removable for easy cleaning, and the touchscreen will notify you of any maintenance requirements. Keeping the machine in good condition is straightforward and simple.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Touch Impress worth the investment?
A: While the Breville Barista Touch Impress is a premium machine, it is definitely worth the investment for serious coffee lovers. The combination of advanced features like the built-in grinder, automatic tamping, and milk frothing system, along with the consistent quality it delivers, makes it a great value for the price. If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable espresso machine that elevates your coffee experience, this machine is a great choice.

Q: How does the Impress Puck System work?
A: The Impress Puck System automatically tamps the coffee grounds at the perfect pressure for optimal extraction. This feature removes the guesswork from manual tamping, resulting in a consistently level puck and a more even espresso shot every time.